Big Apple Bucket List: 50 Best Things to Do in New York

The iconic Statue of Liberty is one of the world's most famous symbols of freedom and democracy, and a must-see attraction while in New York. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island and go inside the statue for a panoramic view of the city.

The Staten Island Ferry is a ferry service that runs between Manhattan and Staten Island. The ferry offers captivating views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. It's a lovely way to see the city's iconic landmarks and enjoy the water without spending a dime.

Times Square is a vibrant and bustling commercial and entertainment center that is a must-see for its bright lights, billboards, and street performers.

As you must have seen in so many movies and television shows located in New York, Central Park is one of the city's most known spots. This large urban park is a great place to relax, take a stroll, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in the middle of the city.

Broadway is a street in New York City that is known for its world-renowned theater district, where many famous Broadway shows take place. It is also a major commercial center and favorite tourist destination, with many shops, restaurants, and other businesses. Broadway has a rich and long history dating back to the 1700s, and is considered one of the most important cultural centers in the world. Visitors can spend hours exploring the theaters, taking in a show, shopping, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this fascinating and thrilling street.

The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic bridge that offers a marvelous view of New York City. The bridge is a popular spot for a walk or bike ride and, of course, for taking wonderful pictures.

The Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn, in New York City. The bridge spans the East River and offers stunning views of the city skyline, including the iconic Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge has two pedestrian walkways on either side, where visitors can walk or bike and take in the views of the river and the city. The Manhattan Bridge is a great place for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of the city from a different angle.

The Manhattan Bridge is also a great starting point for a walking tour of the neighborhoods surrounding the bridge. DUMBO, a neighborhood located in Brooklyn under the bridge, is a popular spot for art and photography lovers, as well as foodies. Visitors can also explore the Lower East Side, known for its diverse culture, history, and vibrant nightlife scene.

The Manhattan Bridge is also an important transportation hub, with subway and bus connections to many parts of the city. It's easily accessible by subway, by taking the B, D, N, Q, or R lines and getting off at the York Street station, or by bike, by using the Citi Bike service. The Manhattan Bridge is a must-see attraction for visitors to New York City, offering a unique perspective of the city and a chance to explore the neighborhoods surrounding the bridge.

5th Avenue is a famous street in New York City, running through the heart of Manhattan. It is known for its luxury shops, department stores, and iconic landmarks, such as the Empire State Building and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Visitors can stroll down the avenue, window-shop, and admire the architecture. It's a great place for shopping and sightseeing.

Wall Street is a street located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, it's known as the heart of the American financial system and the location of the New York Stock Exchange. Visitors can take a walk down the street and see the famous Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues, visit the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and learn about the history of the financial system in the United States. It's a magnificent place for finance enthusiasts and history buffs.

Grand Central Terminal is an exceptional historic train station and a great place to see the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as its incredible architecture and design.

The Empire State Building is one of New York's most known skyscrapers, and it offers a breathtaking view of the city from the 86th-floor observatory.

Top of The Rock is a fetching observation deck located at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Visitors can take an elevator to the top and enjoy views of the lovely Central Park, the impressive Empire State Building, and other iconic New York City landmarks. It's a fantastic place to take in the city's skyline and get a different perspective of the city from the Empire State Building.

The remarkable Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings in Midtown Manhattan. It is home to the famous Rockefeller Plaza, which includes the iconic ice-skating rink and the golden statue of Prometheus. Visitors can also take an elevator to the Top of the Rock observation deck for panoramic views of the city. The Center is also home to NBC Studios, where many popular television shows are filmed. Visitors can take a tour of the studios and watch live tapings of shows. It's a fantastic place to take a stroll, enjoy the art deco architecture and take in the views from the top

The Chrysler Building is an iconic skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, known for its outstanding Art Deco design. Visitors can admire the building's exterior and take in the views from the nearby observation decks. It's a great place for architecture and history enthusiasts.

One World Observatory resides in One World Trade Center, a new skyscraper, also known as the Freedom Tower. The skyscraper offers a spectacular view of New York from its observation deck.

The Edge is an observatory deck located on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, it offers 360-degree views of the city, including the Hudson River, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Visitors can take an elevator to the top and enjoy the views from the observation deck, which is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. It's a great place to take in the city's skyline and get a different perspective of the city.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a skyscraper located near Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, it is the tallest building in the city and offers an observation deck on the top floor with 360-degree views of the city. Visitors can take an elevator to the top and enjoy the views from the observation deck, and learn about the history and architecture of the building.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or as the locals call it, "the Met", is a fantastic world-renowned museum that features an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a world-renowned museum that features an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and many other brilliant artists.

The Guggenheim Museum is a world-famous museum renowned for its outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as its unique spiral design.

The magnificent American Museum of Natural History is a popular museum in New York and another excellent place to visit in this remarkable city. The museum features exhibits on a wide range of topics, including dinosaurs, space, and human origins.

The Whitney Museum of American Art is an excellent museum located in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan and features artworks by American artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to see the artworks and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the museum building.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a powerful tribute to the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. It features a memorial with twin reflecting pools and the original Survivor Tree.

The Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum is an excellent museum located on the Hudson River in New York City. The museum is housed on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier that served in World War II and the Cold War, and also includes the USS Growler, a submarine, and the space shuttle Enterprise. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the museum and learn about the history of the USS Intrepid, including its role in World War II and the Cold War, as well as the history of aviation and space travel. The museum also features a variety of aircraft, including a Concorde, a British Airways supersonic jet, and a Lockheed A-12 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft. In addition, the museum offers interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and films. The Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum is a great place for history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, and families.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is a complex of buildings in the Upper West Side of Manhattan that is home to some of the city's most prestigious performing arts organizations. Visitors can see a show at one of the venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, or the New York Philharmonic, or take a tour of the center to see the architecture and learn about its history. It's a must-visit place for culture and art enthusiasts.

Madison Square Garden is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Midtown Manhattan. It is the home of the basketball team, the New York Knicks, and the hockey team, the New York Rangers. Madison Square Garden is also an important cultural center and hosted many famous concerts and events. Visitors can take a tour of the arena, which includes access to the floor, locker rooms, and other areas not usually open to the public. It's a wonderful place for sports and entertainment lovers to visit.

Yankee Stadium is a baseball stadium located in the Bronx, New York City. It is the home field of the New York Yankees, one of the most successful baseball teams in history. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium, which includes access to the field, dugout, press box, and other areas not usually open to the public. It's a perfect place for baseball fans and sports enthusiasts to visit.

The Apollo Theater is a historic music hall located in Harlem, New York City. It is famous for its amateur night talent competitions and for launching the careers of many famous African American performers. Visitors can take a tour of the theater, learn about its long history and see a show. It's a marvelous place to experience the rich cultural history of Harlem and see live performances.

Radio City Music Hall is an iconic entertainment venue located in Rockefeller Center. It is the home of the famous Rockettes and has hosted many famous acts over the years. Visitors can take a tour of the hall to see the art deco interior, learn about the history of the venue and attend a show. It's a great place for entertainment and art deco enthusiasts.

Williamsburg is a neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its vibrant arts and music scene, and its large hipster population. Visitors can stroll through the streets, check out the murals and fantastic street art, visit the famous Smorgasburg food market, and enjoy the nightlife at one of the many bars and clubs in the area. It's a great place to experience Brooklyn's creative and diverse culture.

Greenwich Village, also known as "the Village", by the locals, is a trendy neighborhood in Lower Manhattan known for its bohemian history and artistic community. It is home to many famous jazz clubs, comedy clubs, and off-Broadway theaters. Visitors can stroll through the charming streets, visit Washington Square Park, and explore the historic brownstones. It's a great place to explore the city's artistic and cultural heritage.

SoHo, short for "South of Houston," is a famous neighborhood in Lower Manhattan known for its high-end fashion and excellent art galleries. It is home to many upscale shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visitors can stroll through the entrancing streets, visit the cast-iron buildings and explore the trendy boutiques. It's a lovely place for shopping and sightseeing.

Chinatown is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, known for its large Chinese-American population and vibrant culture. Visitors can stroll through the streets, sample Chinese cuisine, and visit the historic Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association building. It's a great place to explore the city's diverse culture and try delicious food.

Little Italy is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan known for its large Italian-American population and vibrant culture. Visitors can stroll through the streets, sample delicious Italian cuisine, and visit historic churches like the Church of the Most Precious Blood. It's a lovely place to explore the city's diverse culture and try fantastic food.

Battery Park (or The Battery) is a wonderful public park located at the southern tip of Manhattan. It is home to Castle Clinton, a fort built in 1811, and offers excellent views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, take a ferry to Liberty Island, or visit the Battery Urban Farm and learn about sustainable agriculture. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors and take in views of the harbor.

High Line is a winsome elevated park built on an old railroad track that offers a unique perspective on the city and its stunning architecture.

Bryant Park is a public park located in Midtown Manhattan and is a popular spot for locals and tourists as well. The park features charming gardens, walkways, and a green lawn, which is perfect for a picnic. There's also a free lending library, free Wi-Fi, and a variety of food and drink options, including a seasonal beer garden. It's a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors in the middle of the city.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is a large park located along the East River in Brooklyn. It offers exceptional views of the Manhattan skyline and features a variety of recreational activities such as kayaking, playgrounds, and a carousel. Visitors can walk or bike across the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the beautiful waterfront and Brooklyn Bridge Park. It's a great place for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Prospect Park is a 585-acre urban oasis in the heart of Brooklyn. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same landscape architects who designed Central Park, Prospect Park features charming gardens, lakes, and meadows. It's also home to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Prospect Park Zoo, and the LeFrak Center at Lakeside.

The New York Botanical Garden is an enchanting garden and a splendid place to see a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as to take a walk and enjoy the outdoors.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre botanic garden located in Brooklyn, New York City. It features a wide range of plants and gardens, including the beautiful Cherry Esplanade, the Shakespeare Garden, and the Children's Garden. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to see the gardens and enjoy the scenic walking paths and the many events and classes offered. It's a great place for nature lovers and families.

Chelsea Market is an indoor food hall and shopping mall located in the trendy Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. It was once the site of the National Biscuit Company factory, where the first-ever Oreo cookie was made. Today, Chelsea Market is home to over 35 vendors selling a variety of delicious food and merchandise. Visitors can sample international cuisine, shop for unique gifts, and explore the historic factory building. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat and do some shopping.

Macy's is a well-known department store located in Herald Square in Midtown Manhattan. It is one of the largest department stores in the world and has a rich history dating back to 1858. It is famous for its annual Thanksgiving Day parade and holiday window displays. Visitors can browse through the store's many departments, including clothing, shoes, jewelry, and home goods. It's a fantastic place to do some shopping and take in the history of the store.

The United Nations Headquarters is a complex of buildings located in New York City that serves as the official headquarters of the United Nations. Visitors can take a guided tour of the headquarters, which includes access to the General Assembly Hall, the Security Council Chamber, and other areas not usually open to the public. It's a magnificent place to learn about the history and workings of the UN and the international community.

St. Patrick's Cathedral is a large, Gothic-style Catholic cathedral located in Midtown Manhattan. It is the seat of the Archbishop of New York and one of the most famous churches in the city. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture and the beautiful stained glass windows, attend mass or take a guided tour to learn about the history and art of the cathedral.

Oculus Center is a transportation hub and shopping center located in the World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan. It was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, and features an amazing design, with a large white ribbed structure resembling a bird in flight. Visitors can take a tour of the Oculus, admire the spectacular architecture and take in the views of the surrounding area. It's a magnificent place for architecture enthusiasts and those interested in the history of the World Trade Center.

The New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, also known as the main branch of the New York Public Library, is a landmark building located in Midtown Manhattan. It is one of the most famous libraries in the world and features a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials. Visitors can take a tour of the library to learn about its history, view the reading room, and take in the Beaux-Arts architecture. It's a great place for book lovers, history enthusiasts, and architecture admirers.

The Strand Book Store is a famous independent bookstore located in the East Village, it features over 2.5 million books in stock. Visitors can browse through the store's vast collection of books, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the bookstore. It's a great place for book lovers and those looking for a unique shopping experience.

Union Square is a public square located in the Union Square neighborhood of Manhattan, it is known for its farmers market, street performers, and its proximity to many shops and restaurants. Visitors can stroll through the square, check out the farmers market, and enjoy the street performers. It's a great place for families, shopping enthusiasts, and those looking for a unique outdoor experience.

The Bronx Zoo is a large zoo located in the Bronx, New York City. It is one of the largest urban zoos in the world and features over 6,000 animals from more than 650 species. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to see the animals, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy the beautiful gardens. It's a great place for families and animal lovers.